FRISCO - We see them and hear them and watch them on TV.
Does that mean we know them?
The psyche of receiver George Pickens has been a hot NFL subject of conversation since his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys. And he's brought much of that on himself with his own behavior.
The deal, made shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft, brought Pickens to the Cowboys for a 2026 third-round selection and a 2027 Day 3 pick swap. ... and folks here at The Star are so-far elated with the results.
"Incredible'' is the word Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer uses - a lot - to describe everything about QB Dak Prescott's new weapon.
And what about the psychologists Pickens has left behind?
"I don't think that there was an epiphany," Steelers insider Brian Batko told talkSPORT in a recent interview. "I think there is a legitimate refreshing change of pace for him, just because of the weight of all this – most of them self-inflicted headaches that he caused in Pittsburgh, or headaches that he had to deal with in Pittsburgh. And that naturally engendered a lot of negativity from the fan base, as well.”
The "self-inflicted headaches,'' of course, must stop. That stuff kills careers ... almost no matter how talented a player is.
And that change of pace?
"You're playing in beautiful Jerry World instead of gritty and grimy Acrisure Stadium in half of your games,” Batko said. “You're in a more pass-happy offense. So, yeah, I think he will be happier."
We're not sure the Steelers are flattered to have their building labeled "gritty and grimy'' (because it's not). But we get the point.
And another issue raised ...
"The question I have about George Pickens is will that happiness remain when you are getting closer to becoming an unrestricted free agent (at the end of this year), if your numbers aren't where you want them to be?" Batko asked.
The Cowboys don't have those answers. Nor do Pickens' critics. And why? Because this is uncharted territory for him and for them. He has a chance to redefine everything about his reputation now ... and yes, all the armchair psychologists will be taking notes.